In memory of Hart Perry

The words and phrases used to describe W. Hartwell Perry show his lifelong dedication to the sport of rowing – a dedication that shaped his life right through to his last days.  Hart Perry of the United States died 3 February 2011. He was 77 years old.

Perry’s death came just a couple of weeks after he flew from the United States to London to accept the 2010 World Rowing Distinguished Service to International Rowing award. This award acknowledged Perry’s years and years of dedication to rowing.

Perry began rowing at high school and continued through his university years before becoming a coach. He was most influential at Kent School in Connecticut where he worked for over three decades as a rowing coach, a dean and director of athletics. During this time he influenced thousands of young rowers and tributes to his memory have been pouring in.

In 1974 Perry was made a Henley steward (for the British Henley Royal Regatta) becoming the first American to hold a steward position.

A past president of the United States Rowing Association, Perry remained actively involved in rowing in the United States in many forms. He was a member of the New York based Power Ten group which worked at fundraising for athletes. He was a trustee and executive director of the National Rowing Federation and the adjunct curator for rowing at the Mystic Seaport Museum.

Internationally Perry was a FISA umpire from 1971 – 1999 and during this time he umpired at 18 World Rowing Junior Championships, 10 World Rowing Championships and two Olympic Games. He served for many years on FISA’s Youth Rowing Commission.

For his efforts Perry was honoured with many accolades. He has five racing shells named after him and five trophies carrying his name. In 2009 Perry received USRowing’s medal of honour and he has been inducted into four different athletic halls of fame.

Here are some of the words used to describe Hart Perry:

“Dean of American Rowing”
“Godfather to the national team”
“American rowing’s true patriarch”
“Father of rowing”
“A gentleman”
“Gave his life to rowing” – Mike Teti
“Probably the greatest figure in sport that you never heard of” – Rick Rinehart

World Rowing would like to pay tribute to Perry and recognise the infinite support of his wife, Gill through his rowing endeavours.

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